High impact wrist weights

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an apparatus for conditioning the arms and upper body. A wrist weight apparatus consists of a wrist section and a forearm section. The forearm section includes a flexible weight and a way to secure the apparatus to the user&#39;s arm.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to wrist weights particularly adapted to allow freedom of movement and comfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wrist weights have been used in a variety of contexts. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,623,143 and 5,704,883 describe various types of writs weights that include weights positioned at various points around the user's wrists and hands. While these weights may provide some exercise for the wrist, hand, or arm, the weights make it more difficult for the wearer to use his or her hands and so interfere with participation in activities such as racquet sports or sports requiring the wearer to throw or catch a ball.

The wrist weights embodying the teachings of the present invention are suitable for use by those pursuing a wide range of physical activities. The hand is essentially unencumbered as the fingers and thumb are free to move about. Instead of placing the weights on the back of the hand, as with some wrist weights, or in the form of several large spaced weights wrapped around the wrist in an awkward and unsecure fashion, the wrist weights of the present invention locates weights comprised of iron sand contained in a flexible chambered container that fits snugly around the wearer's wrist. This allows for the essentially unfettered movement of the hand, while permitting the glove to include significantly heavier weights than could be supported if the weights were mounted on the hand or fingers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to apparatus for developing, strengthening, and toning arm and upper body muscles. More particularly, it relates to a wrist weight apparatus that can be worn when participating in a wide range of exercise and sporting activities, and that helps develop certain arm and upper body muscles. The weights are positioned in such a manner so as to permit free use of the hand and wrist while exercising, so that the wearer can participate in activities such as tennis or baseball that require use of the hands.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for toning and developing muscles of the arms and upper torso.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a flexible wrist weight that does not unduly encumber the hand or fingers with weights and will permit the user to participate in a wide range of athletic activities.

A further object of this invention is to provide a wrist weight that contains weights that are located around the wrist and lower forearm that help to condition muscles of the arm and upper torso when the arm is moved, as in walking, jogging, racket sports, or throwing sports.

Another object of this invention is to provide a wrist weight that is comfortable to use, does not extend from the wrist beyond the middle of the forearm, and is securely fastened about the wrist and lower forearm so that it will remain in place despite vigorous movement of the hand, wrist, or arm.

These and other objects of the invention are attained by means of a wrist weight apparatus that covers the wrist and lower forearm of the wearer and has weights positioned away from the hand that tone and develop arm and upper torso muscles as the arm is moved in the course of normal and regular exercise such as running, walking, tennis, baseball, basketball, and football. The weights are composed of grains or pellets of metal, sometimes known as iron sand, encased in fabric containers. This makes the weights flexible and so more comfortable to wear than more rigid weights. It also makes it possible to secure the weights in such a way that they remain essentially in place despite vigorous movement of the hand, wrist, or arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the side of the hand and posterior region of the forearm of a person wearing a wrist weight apparatus embodying the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a palm-side view of the wrist weight apparatus embodying the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the back-hand-side view of the wrist weight apparatus embodying the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective showing the structure of the chambered weight containment pouch.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the wrist weight apparatus embodying the teachings of the present invention, viewed from a point near the posterior end of the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the wrist weight apparatus embodying the teaching of the present invention, viewed from a point near the mid-portion of the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The weight constructed in accordance with the present invention may be used in a variety of sports, particularly those where the players do not usually play with gloves on. For example, in certain sports, such as golf, football, baseball, lacrosse and hockey, players typically wear gloves. Accordingly, as such, players are able to tolerate, in many cases, the use of a weighted exercise device such as is disclosed in my earlier application and which includes a glove. However, in many other sports, players do not use gloves, and, accordingly, the instant invention provides a training device for improving the impact of the exercise for those sports as well.

Thus, the invention is particularly applicable to the training of players in the games of basketball, soccer, and the like. In addition, the invention of a weighted exercise device without a glove is also attractive to non-competing exercise enthusiasts, who may use the device without the inconvenience or discomfort of gloves in such exercises as walking, calisthenics, running, and so forth. This feature of the invention is particularly attractive to lay exercise enthusiasts who might be exercising in relatively warm environments. The absence of the gloves makes the wearing of the exercise device more comfortable, as a great deal of heat can escape through the exposed portion of the hand and from the fingers. In connection with this, is also noted that the heat capacity of the inventive weights is particularly high, and that if desired, players, prior to using the gloves in warm weather may put the weights in the freezer to cool the same, thus providing some cooling during the exercise.

In the case of use of the weights during walking, it is important that for full value to be achieved, the person using the weights swing his arms back and forth as the walking exercise proceeds. Likewise, in the course of running, swinging of the arms is also appropriate.

As is alluded to above, it is anticipated that the inventive weights may be used for a variety of purposes in addition to simple exercise, such as rehabilitation. For example, individuals undergoing rehabilitative exercise regiments may not be able to put a glove on their hand, for numerous reasons not having to do with their injury, including common nerve damage, hand sensitivity due to burns, and so forth. For these people, the inventive weights, with their simple one-hand securing structures, are particularly attractive in the rehabilitation process.

In the course of the invention it is anticipated that the weight in the present invention may come in various sizes. This may include, for example, a pair of 1 lb. weights, that is 1 lb. on each hand, as well as larger sizes ranging from individual 1.5 lb. weights in each hand through to 2.25 lbs. on each hand, or ranges generally in this area. In addition, the invention can be constructed so as to accommodate a range of weight inserts.

It is noted that the inventive weights are not recommended for throwing or for tennis, as this may place additional strains on the person doing the exercise. However many other exercises other than those mentioned would be particularly well-suited to use of the inventive exercise weights. It is also anticipated that the weights may be used in conjunction with the use of an exercising machine, such as that marketed under the trademark “Fitness Quest”.

In addition, compared to conventional wrist weights, the inventive weights are held firmly in position, thus allowing more intense exercise and improved aerobic exercise characteristics, and therefore reducing exercise time and improving exercise intensity, cardiovascular workout, and general development of the upper body. This is particularly valuable to individuals in a largely sedentary society having limited time within which to exercise. The ability to achieve highly intense exercise, even doing such necessary day-to-day tasks as walking to work, doing household chores, gardening and the like, has high value.

Turning now to the drawings and FIG. 1, in particular, the inventive wrist weight apparatus embodying the teachings of the present invention is shown being worn upon the left hand and forearm of the user. It should be understood, however, that the inventive weights are made in pairs and ordinarily when exercising the wrist weights apparatus will be worn in pairs, one on each wrist. Although the present invention will be explained in regard to the left-hand wrist weight apparatus shown, it should be clear that the right-hand wrist weight apparatus is of similar (though mirror-imaged) construction and functions in the same manner to condition muscles on the other side of the body.

The wrist weight apparatus contains two sections, referred to herein as the wrist section 12, and the forearm section 14. The forearm section resembles a cuff, with one side of the section open longitudinally along the forearm, which makes the wrist weights easier to put on and take off. The forearm section is fastened snugly by means of one or more straps, buckles, or zippers. The two sections are contiguous, and are sewn or fastened together so that the wrist weights substantially encloses the lower part of the hand, leaving the thumb and fingers free and the lower part of the forearm.

The wrist weight apparatus may be constructed of any one or more suitable, pliable, woven or formed materials that will hold the iron sand weights in place and permit the wearer a high degree of normal flexibility. The iron sand is encased in a flexible chambered container, which itself is contained in a pouch that surrounds the wrist on three sides. The body of the wrist weights can be manufactured using a strong, flexible fabric such as neoprene or Lycra or Spandex.

The forearm section 14 of the wrist weight apparatus holds the iron sand weights used in the wrist weight apparatus and includes a strap and loop, strap and buckle, or zipper mechanism to fasten the wrist weight apparatus securely in place. The straps (18 and 32 are examples) can be made from a Velcro®-type “hook and loop” material designed to cling to itself, and minimize the rotational movement of the forearm section 14 about the arm. It is important that the wrist weight apparatus be securely fastened about the arm so that it moves as little as possible with respect to the arm.

FIG. 2 shows the relative locations of the straps. In the preferred embodiment the strap 18 comprises two contiguous sections of Velcro®: hook section 26 and loop section 28. The purpose of strap 18 is to secure the wrist weight apparatus about the lower forearm and wrist of the user so that the wrist weight apparatus moves as little as possible with respect to the arm. Strap 18 is fastened by being passed through a buckle 24 that is connected to the upper portion of forearm section 14 by a strap 22. Once passed through buckle 24, strap 18 is then folded back over itself so that the loop section 28 of the Velcro® meets and engages the hook section 26 of the Velcro®. By adjusting the respective two Velcro® sections 28 and 26, the user can adjust the tension about the user's wrist and lower forearm. Strap 27 includes a Velcro loop strip 29. Strap 27 presses between the thumb and forefinger and engages the Velcro hook section 31 (shown in FIG. 3) across the back of the hand. This helps prevent lateral movement of the wrist weight apparatus along the arm.

In the preferred embodiment, strap 32 comprises a single piece of loop section Velcro® 34. Strap 32 is fastened by wrapping it across the open portion of the cuff and engaging a hook section 30 of Velcro® that is attached to the upper portion of the forearm section 14. By adjusting the relative positions of the two Velcro® sections 34 and 30, the user can adjust the glove's tension about the user's forearm.

The flexible weights, shown in FIG. 4, are preferably comprised of many smaller weights 38 (for example iron disks) packed into a flexible chambered container 40. Each flexible chambered container is made of a strong, flexible fabric such as Lycra or Spandex. In the preferred embodiment it is divided into four elongated chambers. Each chamber holds a plurality of metal grains, also known as iron sand, with each grain having a diameter in the range of 1-2 mm. The chambered container may alternatively hold a wide range of similarly-sized dense, small-grained matter such as sand, rock, or glass beads. It is important that the grains included in the flexible weight's chambered container are small enough so that the flexible weight can conform itself generally to the shape and diameter of the user's wrist. The grains must be large enough so that they do not seep through the pores or the seams of the flexible chambered container, and small enough so that they move easily when packed into the flexible chambered container. The flexible chambered container 40 is sealed so that the grains do not escape and is inserted into a receiving pocket 20 (FIG. 2) that is contiguous with a portion of forearm section 14.

After the flexible chambered container is inserted into the receiving pocket 20 (FIG. 2) located along the forearm section 14, the receiving pocket is sealed, either permanently or in a recloseable fashion. In the case of a recloseable weight pocket, the user can vary the weight of the exercise glove by replacing one flexible chambered container with another having a different mass.

Cross-section FIG. 5 shows in more detail the operation of strap 32. The user inserts his hand and lower arm into the wrist weight apparatus. When the strap 32 is pulled radially around the wrist weight apparatus; the Velcro®-type loops 28 on the lower surface of strap 32 engage the Velcro®-type hooks 30 positioned on the upper surface of the forearm. The Velcro®-type strap 32 provides a wide range of adjustment.

Cross-section FIG. 6 shows in detail the operation of strap 18. The user, having inserted his hand into the wrist weight apparatus, passes strap 18 through buckle 24 and then back again towards the wrist weight apparatus, so that the loops 28 in strap 18 engage the hooks 26 on the outer portion of the wrist weight apparatus.

FIG. 6 also shows the cross-section of the flexible chambered container 40 when positioned inside the receiving pocket 20 of the present invention.

As can be seen, the wrist weight apparatus of the present invention is capable of securely holding the weights to the wearer's arm without significantly impeding the ability of the hand to grasp and manipulate objects or to participate in high-impact physical activities.

The wrist weight apparatus is more comfortable to use than other wrist weights or weighted gloves in the prior art that extend further up the forearm or that locate the weights on the hand or fingers.

While this invention has been described with reference to the details as set forth above, it is not limited to the specific structure as disclosed and the invention is intended to cover any modifications on changes as may come within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A device for conditioning arms and upper body muscles wherein said device for each arm includes a wrist section and a forearm section, said wrist and forearm sections being formed of one or more pliable materials such that the device fits securely about the lower forearm and wrist; a weight comprising a plurality of weights located, attached to or integrated with forearm section; a fastening member connected to said forearm section; said wrist section being formed such that the thumb and fingers of the hand are uncovered and are substantially free to move when the device is in use.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said weight is attached to said forearm section by a pocket, located contiguous to said forearm section, said forearm section receiving and holding said weight.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said weight comprises a plurality of objects enclosed by a pliable material, such that said weight is flexible and is able to conform generally to the shape and dimensions of the wearer's wrist or forearm.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said plurality of objects consists of iron sand or some similarly dense material.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said fastening member comprises one or more straps that connect one side of said wrist and forearm sections to the other side of said wrist and forearm sections.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein said fastening member comprises one or more zippers that connect one side of said wrist and forearm sections to the other side of said wrist and forearm sections. 